John Francis Selected to Receive the 2006 ASCAP Foundation Sammy Cahn Award

ASCAP Singer/Songwriter John Francis was selected to receive the 2006 ASCAP Foundation Sammy Cahn Award for his song, "Love Came to Me Dressed in Red." Born in Harlem, the son of an Episcopal minister/musician John Francis' exposure to gospel and folk music happened on Sunday mornings with the church choir or at home gathered around the family piano with his mother at the helm. At 13, Francis started writing, recording and performing. At 18, he enrolled in college as a creative writing major. He immersed himself in the classics of poetry and prose and honed his craft as a songwriter. In the summer of 2003 John moved to Philadelphia where he released his debut EP, The Philadelphia EP. Two years later a full-length album, Strong Wine and Spirits, was released which brought Francis to the attention of music fans, industry ears and discerning listeners who can untangle the web of Zep-influenced rock, lilting love songs and topical folk music. John Francis will be recognized at The ASCAP Foundation Award ceremony taking place December 6, 2006 in the Allen Room at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Past recipients of The ASCAP Foundation Sammy Cahn Award include: John Mayer, Josh Ritter, Lori McKenna and Daniel MacKenzie. We thank this year's judges - ASCAP members Lindy Robbins, Arnie Roman and Wendy Waldman - for volunteering their time and expertise. The Sammy Cahn Award, established in 1995 to honor Sammy Cahn's unique achievements as a lyricist and friend of music, is funded by a gift from Tita Cahn.